Blacktop Tales | Season 2 | Episode 9 | Azania Stewart | Copper Box Arena
It’s what separates the strong from the weak, the real from the fake, the wheat from the chaff. During her playing days, Azania Stewart strapped on knee pads and purpose—dressed like someone who knew work wasn’t optional. Now it’s heels and lippy—but the mindset? Still laced up tight.
Hard Work.
From the onset, Azania's dad had her playing every sport available, from football to athletics to netball, where she found a natural fit in a team sport where each player played an important role. North London had been home since birth. Her secondary school was Alexander Park School, but she played her ball at Grieg City Academy, basecamp for the renowned Haringey Angels. The Angels were London’s powerhouse for girls looking for a strong early start in basketball. Her height, combined with an immediate enthusiasm, meant that the switch from netball to basketball was instant. She dug in, developing coordination, focus and a reputation as a fierce defender.
Inspired by Lauren Thomas Johnson, her teammate on the England team, Azania’s American dream was ignited—a dream she would see realised a few years later.
Fortune favours the brave—going to live in a different part of the world at just 16 is a big step, but Azania would land in Virginia, USA—at the Notre Dame Academy, to be exact. Playing for one of the top five best high school teams in the States, as well as some of the success she'd experienced previously, cemented her love for the game.
"The taste of winning made me love it. I wasn't always the best player, but I loved being a part of a winning culture."
The prestige of Notre Dame led her to multiple D1 offers. The lifestyle and culture at the University of Florida meant that she became a Gator—and would play college basketball during a golden era of talent, matching up against the likes of Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles and Brittney Griner. It would be here, during her sophomore and junior years, where Azania discovered the power of positivity—namely, how a decision to maintain good vibes during games and practices had a profound effect on her teammates and environment.
Following college, the world of basketball was open. Azania would play in Spain, Australia and, early in her pro career, would be called up to represent Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics. Although the basketball arena used in the Games was temporary, the sport has firmly remained in the park—albeit in a new home at the Copper Box Arena. The venue would be home for Azania during her last seasons on the court, playing for the London Lions.
"It was kind of like a magic power of mine—that I knew I could set the tone and the energy of any practice, any game, any team. I had that ability within me."
The arena provides a beautiful space to facilitate basketball. Its 6,000-seat capacity means that it can get as packed as a Central Line train—and just as rowdy. The arena rests beside an ever-changing district, with trendy bars and coffee shops on one side, and an evolving Olympic Park on the other. Inside, the unmistakeable mismatched coloured seats are revealed when fans arise during thrilling in-game moments, providing a perfect backdrop to the countless basketball memories that have taken place on the centre stage.
Although Azania is no longer on the court, she’s never far from the game. Instead of calling plays, she now calls games—commentating and presenting from the sidelines. Whether at the Copper Box or as the voice of the British Basketball League, other European leagues, or the 2024 Paris Olympics, she’s always involved. You might also hear her in a Nike ad or a Netflix basketball documentary. But don’t be fooled—the shift to commentary wasn’t easy. The hard work continued...
Initially, after approaching FIBA and being unable to provide them with an example of work, she would commentate on college games in her (then) local university in Denver. After liking what they heard, FIBA would throw her in the deep end, with her first job being a two-week tournament at AfroBasket in Senegal—she would work four games per day.
"It was intense, it was gruelling, but I learned so much. It was hard work. I loved it."
As Azania has moved into a different realm of basketball, the attitudes and response to the women’s game have continued to be challenged and reshaped—especially as the sport has, in recent years, become a growing platform for style and self-expression. Azania has taken full advantage. No longer lacing up just to hoop, she now steps in front of the camera with intention—still competitive, but now with outfits and aesthetics. Whether pulling inspiration from Melissa's Wardrobe, shopping in the ASOS tall section, or a quick Pinterest scroll, she curates her looks with care—either by herself or with a stylist—for broadcast appearances. For Azania, fashion is more than surface—it’s about feeling good in your own skin, even when you’re six-foot-four and navigating an industry that doesn’t always cater to that. She embraces the fusion of sport and style, championing a version of femininity that’s powerful, playful, and entirely her own.
Every step Azania’s taken—on court or off—has been marked by intention, resilience, and self-belief. And with each new move, she’s shown that when you lead with purpose...
Hard work pays off..
At the Copper Box Arena, Azania Stewart is wearing the Jordan 4 'Abundance'. She describes them as "clean and sleek and a colour that I love. They're extremely comfy and versatile, working with casual wear as well as more formal outfits, too."
Available now in-store at Bouncewear London or online at bouncewear.co.uk.
